Majority of children in Lincolnshire get first choice secondary school
Of the 8,517 children applying to Lincolnshire secondary schools this year, 86% (7,291) will receive a place at their first preference school.
Due to appeals and movement on reserve lists, it is likely that further children will be offered a place at their first preference school by the time they start in September.
Currently nine per cent have been offered a place at their second preference, with two per cent receiving a place at their third choice. 97 per cent of all applicants received a place at one of their preferred schools.
The three per cent who were unable to be allocated one of their preferred schools will be offered a place at the closest school in Lincolnshire with a place available.
Coun Natalie Oliver, executive councillor for Children’s Services, said: “We know that families put a lot of thought into choosing the right secondary school for their child, so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to offer so many their preferred school again this year.
“Starting secondary school is a major milestone in a young person’s life, and I’m sure those moving into Year 7 this autumn will thrive at their new school.”
Parents who applied using the online application system will have been emailed their offer letter on March 2, if they are unable to access this email, they can visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions and log on to the parent portal. Parents who applied by phone or paper form will have been posted their letter on March 2, first class.
Parents who are unhappy with their offered school may wish to revise their application, which they can do on the LCC website at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions, or lodge an appeal against a refusal at a specific school. Parents have until midnight on March 30, 2026, to lodge an appeal. Information on the appeals process can be found at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/school-admissions/appeal-school-place.
If parents submit an appeal form by the deadline, it will be heard before the end of the summer term. Appeals submitted after the deadline will still be considered, but they may be in the last week of term or even into September.
Parents who wish to apply for school transport can find information relating to applications and eligibility in their offer letter or by visiting www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/school-college-transport. For travel arrangements to be in place by September, parents must apply by May 31, 2026.
For further details about school admissions, go to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.